
American law concept with judge gavel on white table
Montenegro has completed the extradition of Do Kwon, the founder of Terraform Labs and the architect behind the catastrophic collapse of Luna and TerraUSD (UST), to the United States. Kwon will now face charges related to fraud and other alleged illegal activities in connection with the devastating crypto crisis that unfolded last year.
As previously reported, Kwon was arrested by Montenegrin authorities in 2023 while he was on the run from US investigators after the collapse of Luna and UST. The event led to a global crypto contagion, wiping out over $40 billion in value and leaving millions of investors severely financially impacted.
The extradition process has been a lengthy one, with Kwon’s legal team attempting to thwart the move at every turn. However, Montenegro authorities remained resolute in their commitment to upholding international justice and ensuring that those responsible for such egregious financial wrongdoing are held accountable.
In a statement released earlier today, Montenegrin Prime Minister announced the successful completion of Kwon’s extradition, emphasizing the country’s unwavering dedication to the rule of law and its stance against fraudulent activities.
“We welcome innovation and legitimate crypto entrepreneurship in our nation,” the Prime Minister declared. “However, we have zero tolerance for fraud and those who seek to exploit innocent investors.”
This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing Terra/Luna saga, as Kwon will now face US authorities in court to answer charges related to his alleged role in orchestrating the catastrophic collapse of Luna and UST.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had initially filed civil charges against Kwon and his company, accusing them of deceiving investors and engaging in various fraudulent activities. The SEC’s lawsuit was subsequently settled out of court for a staggering $4.5 billion settlement, marking one of the largest-ever financial settlements related to crypto fraud.
Kwon’s legal team had previously attempted to block the extradition on grounds that Montenegro lacked jurisdiction over the case. However, the country’s highest courts ultimately rejected these arguments and authorized Kwon’s transfer to US authorities.
The extradition will likely have far-reaching implications for the global cryptocurrency market, as it serves as a stern warning against fraudulent activities and underscores the need for greater regulatory oversight in the space.
For more information on this story, please refer to our earlier articles.
Source: coinjournal.net